Kaoru Minaguchi is a “no-lifer,” who doesn’t interact with society or other people in any meaningful way. He doesn’t see this as a problem, until he meets a grim reaper appears to cull him for the benefit of society as a whole. If an effort to become a “real-lifer” and stay alive, he claims to be about to confess to a girl he likes and get a girlfriend. But what happens when a frantic Kaoru sends four love letters to increase his odds… and they all say yes?

Grim Reaper and 4 Girlfriends takes a ridiculous but amusing premise and uses it to put a fun twist on the harem genre. The main character is not oblivious to nor trying to fend off the advances of his suitors. Rather he has to actively court four girls despite the guilt he feels and believing in “one true love.” His hesitation and regret keep him sympathetic, and the individual personalities of the girls make things interesting.

The comedy is amusing and arises both from Airi (the reaper) trying to sabotage Kaoru indirectly and ecchi situations involving the girlfriends. But while there is some fanservice appropriate to the flirtations, it’s not as blatant nor pervasive as may be expected for this type of series and is blended into the story well. There’s a dark edge to everything that adds a compelling layer to Kaoru’s dilemma.

For what Grim Reaper and 4 Girlfriends is, it’s fantastic. I look forward to seeing how Kaoru continues to try to stay alive while keeping his unfortunate secret, dealing with his girlfriends’ hidden sides, and trying to be a good guy despite having become a four-timer.